Violent Clash at Chittagong University After Female Student Assaulted

A violent confrontation broke out between students and local residents near Gate No. 2 of Chittagong University late Friday night, following the reported assault of a female student. The clashes left scores of students injured before the situation was brought under control with the intervention of the army.

How It Began

Eyewitnesses said the incident started around 12:15 am when a philosophy first-year student attempted to enter her rented apartment near Gate No. 2. The building’s security guard allegedly blocked her entry, verbally abused her, and then physically assaulted her by slapping her neck.

The student told reporters:

“I returned before midnight as usual. When I asked the guard to open the gate, he refused and used offensive language. When I protested, he slapped me, pushed me down, and kicked me. My roommates and nearby residents then rushed to help.”

As students gathered to confront the guard, he fled the scene. Local residents soon intervened, throwing stones, which escalated into hours of clashes between the two sides.

Injuries and Hospitalizations

According to students, many were injured in attacks by locals. Al Masnun, a leader of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, suffered serious injuries reportedly from a sharp weapon and was hospitalized.

Sabbir Hossain, the student group’s CU chapter organizer, confirmed the attack.

Dr. Muhammad Tipu Sultan, who was on duty at the university medical center, said:

“We treated over a hundred injured students. At least 23 with serious injuries had to be sent to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. There were so many casualties that we couldn’t even record all their names.”

Security Response

University officials and police, including Assistant Proctors Md Korban Ali and Nazmul Hossain, attempted to reach the scene around 12:45 am but were unable to enter due to the dominance of local groups in the area. Both proctors were reportedly injured.

By 3:15 am, Assistant Proctor Nurul Hamid confirmed that the army had been contacted. Around 3:30 am, army personnel arrived, rescuing trapped students and gradually restoring order.

At 5:00 am, Major Shahriar briefed students:

“We have rescued ten students from inside Gate No. 2, and another team is still working in the area. We are in close coordination with the university authorities and will decide further measures later in the morning.”

The incident has sparked widespread concern among students, with calls for accountability over both the assault on the student and the large-scale violence that followed.